Reading Comprehension , English ,with Answers and Explanations

 “Late”

Martin is in a hurry.

He is late to work again.

Martin's boss doesn't like it when he is late. Martin was late last week. His boss

told him not to be late again. He really wasn’t joking either. He was serious. “I

mean it,” Martin remembers him saying.

Martin thinks he might lose his job if he is late again.

The time is now 7:15 am. Martin needs to be at work by 7:30. It takes him 22

minutes to drive to work.

“Things don’t look good,” he says to himself.

Martin runs out of the house. He jumps in his car. He puts the car in reverse. He

backs up without looking.

BOOM!

There is a sound like someone hitting a drum. Martin’s car jerks

to a stop. He has hit the car parked behind him.

“Oh, no!” Martin exclaims. He is angry now.

Martin looks at his watch. It is 7:18. He needs to get to work.

He looks around. There is no one on the street. There is no one nearby.

He looks in the parked car. It is empty.

Martin drives off quickly.

He gets to work 10 minutes late.

Martin’s boss is not around. “Thank goodness,” he says to himself.

He stops worrying. He sits at his desk to work.

During lunch, Martin goes out to the parking lot. He looks at his car. There is a big dent in the back.

Then he thinks about the other car— the car he hit this morning. "I know that car

is damaged too," he thinks.

He feels guilty.

“That was not right,” Martin says to himself.

He will see if the car is still outside his house when he gets off work.

Questions:

1) At the beginning of the story, Martin

is in a hurry. What does this mean?

A. He is running.

B. He is angry.

C. He is late.

D. He is moving fast.

2) Why is Martin in a hurry?

A. because he is late

B. because he is running

C. because he is moving fast

D. because he had a car accident

3) Martin remembers when his boss

told him, “I mean it.” What does this

mean?

A. The boss is serious.

B. The boss is angry.

C. The boss is emotional.

D. The boss is interested.

4) What does Martin think will happen

if he is late to work again?

A. He will get a pay cut.

B. He will need to buy a watch.

C. He will get fired from his job.

D. He will need to adjust his

schedule.

5) What time does Martin need to be at

work?

A. 6:30

B. 7:15

C. 7:30

D. 8:15

6) If Martin leaves the house at 7:15,

what time does he get to work?

A. 7:32

B. 7:37

C. 7:40

D. 7:52

7) What is the loud noise?

A. Martin yelling

B. police sirens sounding

C. Martin driving off the road

D. Martin hitting someone’s car

8) Martin checks if there is anyone

nearby. What does nearby mean?

A. in

B. next to

C. close by

D. far away

9) Why doesn't Martin get in trouble

with his boss today?

A. His boss is not around.

B. He gets to work on time.

C. His boss feels sorry for him.

D. Martin says he is sorry for being late.

10) Who does Martin talk to in the story?

I. himself

II. his boss

III. his friends

A. I only

B. I and II

C. II and III

D. I, II, and III

 

11) How do Martin's feelings change

during the story?

A. from hurried to guilty to angry

B. from angry to guilty to hurried

C. from hurried to angry to guilty

D. from angry to hurried to angry

12) Why did Martin look around after he hit the car?

A. He needed help.

B. He wanted a ride to work.

C. He needed to check the time.

D. He wanted to check if anyone saw him.

13) As used at the end of the story,

what does it mean to feel guilty?

A. to feel bad about doing something

B. to feel worried about doing something

C. to feel unsure about doing something

D. to feel like you want to change something

14) What might Martin do if the car he

hit is still there after work?

I. He might try to hide the dent.

II. He might try to find the owner.

III. He might leave a note on the windshield with his phone number on it.

A. I only

B. I and II

C. II and III

D. I, II, and III

Do you think Martin is a good employee? Why or why not?

_________________________________________ 

 ________________________________________

_________________________________________ 

Answers and Explanations

1) D

At the beginning of the story, “Martin is in a hurry.” In paragraph 7, “Martin

runs out of the house. He jumps in the car.” People run and jump in order to

move fast. Being in a hurry means “moving fast.” Therefore (D) is correct.

Martin runs because he is in a hurry. But being in a hurry does not just mean

running. People can be in a hurry and move fast in other ways, such as

driving fast or walking fast. This makes (A) incorrect. In the middle of the

story, it says, “He is angry now.” He is angry because he hit another car. But

he was in a hurry before he hit the car. So in a hurry does not mean angry.

Therefore (B) is incorrect. In paragraph 2, the story says, “Martin is late.”

People are sometimes in a hurry because they are late. But in a hurry does

not always mean late. People can be in a hurry for other reasons besides for

being late. For example: “John’s favorite team is playing baseball at the park.

He is in a hurry to go see them.” In this example, John is in a hurry because

he is excited, not late. This means (C) is incorrect.

2) A

In paragraph 1, it says, “Martin is in a hurry.” The next paragraph explains,

“He is late to work again.” Martin is in a hurry because he is late. Therefore

(A) is correct.

Martin is running because he is in a hurry. He is not in a hurry because he is

running. This means (B) is incorrect. Martin is moving fast because he is in a

hurry. He is not in a hurry because he is moving fast. This means (C) is

incorrect. Martin gets in a car accident because he is in a hurry, not the other

way around. This means (D) is incorrect.

3) A

In paragraph 3, Martin’s boss tells him “not to be late again.” We also learn

that Martin’s boss “was serious.” Martin’s boss says, “I mean it.” Because we

already know that Martin’s boss is “serious,” we can understand that “I mean

it” means that the boss is serious. Therefore (A) is correct.

We know that “Martin’s boss does not like it when he is late,” but the story

does not say he is angry. Instead, the story says that he was “serious” and

“not joking” when he told Martin, “I mean it.” This makes (B) incorrect. There

is no information in the story to make us think Martin’s boss is emotional.

This makes (C) incorrect. There is no information in the story to make us

think Martin’s boss is interested. This makes (D) incorrect.

4) C

In paragraph 4, it says, “Martin thinks he might lose his job if he is late again.”

Being “fired” means losing your job. If you get fired, the boss says you can’t

work there anymore. Therefore (C) is correct. The story does not contain

information to support answer choices (A), (B), and (D). Therefore they are

incorrect.

5) C

In paragraph 4, the author says, “Martin needs to be at work by 7:30 am.”

Therefore (C) is correct. The story does not mention the time 6:30. This

makes (A) incorrect. Although the story says the current time is 7:15, this is not the time Martin needs to be at work. This means (B) is incorrect. The

story does not mention the time 8:15. This makes (D) incorrect.

6) B

In paragraph 5, we learn that it takes Martin 22 minutes to drive to work. The

question tells us that Martin leaves the house at 7:15. In order to find out how

long it takes Martin to drive to work, we need to add the time it takes Martin

to drive to work (22 minutes) to the time he leaves (7:15). So, 7:15 + 22 =

7:37. Martin gets to work at 7:37 if he leaves at 7:15. Therefore (B) is correct.

The story does not contain information to support answer choices (A), (C),

and (D). Therefore they are incorrect.

7) D

Both paragraph 8 and paragraph 9 give examples of loud noises. Paragraph 8 simply says, “BOOM!” In paragraph 9, Martin hears a “sound like someone

hitting a drum.” In paragraph 9, the author says that Martin “has hit the car parked behind him.” It is clear that “hitting someone’s car” caused the loud

noise Martin hears. Therefore (D) is correct.

The story does not contain information to support answer choices (A), (B),

and (C). Therefore they are incorrect.

8) C

In paragraph 12, Martin “looks around.” He sees that “there is no one on the

street. There is no one nearby.” Martin is looking to see if anyone is close by

him. Therefore (C) is correct.

It would not make sense to say “there is no one in.” In is a preposition which

requires an object, such as “in the car” or “in the box.” This means (A) is

incorrect. Martin is looking on the entire street, not just right next to him. This

makes (B) incorrect. Martin would not be able to see that “there is no one far

away” just by looking. Also, he is worried about people near him who might have seen the accident. He is not worried about people who are far away and did not see it. This makes (D) incorrect.

9) A

In paragraph 16 the story says, “Martin’s boss is not around.” Martin does not

“get in trouble with his boss” because his boss “is not around.” Therefore (A)

is correct. The story does not contain information to support answer choices

(B), (C), and (D). Therefore they are incorrect.

10) A

In paragraph 16, Martin says, “Thank goodness.” He says this “to himself.” In paragraph 21, the author writes, “‘That was not right,’ Martin says to himself.”

Both these paragraphs show Martin taking to himself. This supports option

(I). Martin does not talk to his boss. This eliminates option (II). He also does

not talk to his friends. This eliminates option (III). Therefore (A) is correct.

11) C

At the beginning of the story, in paragraph 1, “Martin is in a hurry.” In the

middle of the story, in paragraph 10, Martin is “angry” after he hits the car.

By the end of the story, in paragraph 20, Martin “feels guilty.” Martin goes

from hurried to angry to guilty. Therefore (C) is correct. The story does not

contain information to support answer choices (A), (B), and (D). Therefore

they are incorrect.

12) D

Paragraph 12 says that Martin “looks around” but there is “no one on the street” and “no one nearby.” He is trying to find out whether or not anyone

saw him hit the other car. When he realizes that no one is around, he drives off without reporting the accident. Therefore (D) is correct.

Martin does not need help, so (A) is incorrect. He has a car, so he does not

need a ride to work. This means (B) is incorrect. He has a watch, so he does

not need to ask anyone the time. This means (C) is incorrect.

13) A

guilty (adjective): responsible for doing something wrong.

In paragraph 19, Martin thinks about the damage he did when he hit the other

car. In paragraph 20, it says, “He feels guilty.” In paragraph 21, Martin thinks,

“That was not right.” He thinks what he did was wrong, and he feels bad about it. Using this information we can understand that feeling guilty means

feeling bad about doing something wrong. Therefore (A) is correct.

Martin was worried about being late to work, but once he gets there, he “stops worrying.” This means (B) is incorrect. Martin does not feel unsure at

the end of the story. He knows what he did was “not right.” This makes (C)

incorrect. Martin might wish to change what he did, but the story does not tell

us that information. Wanting to change something is feeling regretful, not

guilty. This means (D) is incorrect.

14) C

In paragraph 20, Martin “feels guilty” because he damaged the other car. He

does not want to hide the damage. He wants to take responsibility for what

he did. This eliminates option (I). Because Martin feels guilty, he wants to tell

the owner that he hit his or her car. Martin could do this by trying to find the

owner. This supports option (II). He could also do this by leaving a note on

the windshield with his phone number on it. This supports option (III).

Therefore (C) is correct.

New Car, Reading Comprehension, English , skill

 New Car

 

Bobby sighed as his mother pulled up in the car loop to get him after school. His mother’s grey minivan stood out in a crowd of shiny SUV’s and sharp-looking new sedans. His buddy, Thomas, smirked at him as he got into his mother’s minivan at parent pickup after school.

“Mom, I really don’t like our car.”

“Bobby, is that any way to greet your mother?”

Mom asked with a disapproving frown.

“I’m sorry, but it’s embarrassing having you pick

me up in this old junker, while everyone else rides

something cooler.”

Mother snorted as she closed the minivan doors

with a flick of a lever. “I wasn’t aware I’d been entered into some sort of ‘coolest car competition’ at your school.”

“Everyone watches and judges me all the time. People look at my clothes, my hair, our car...” Bobby whined.

“People need to mind their own business.” Mother snapped. “There are more important things in life

than appearances. Who cares if this car isn’t that beautiful?”

“I do?” Bobby said in exasperation. “It’s social torture riding around in this grocery-go-getter.”

“Then may your social life end in glorious fashion, because this car has been good enough for our

family for eight years. We have gone on trips, taken you to school, and gone shopping in it. It still has several years of life left in it, years I expect to use!” Mother lectured as she made a painfully slow exit of the school

grounds. She smiled extra wide and waved at all his friends just to irritate him further.

“Mom! Just leave; I’m dying here.” Bobby groaned.

“Great. Get used to it, because I fully expect to be dropping you off to your high school graduation in

this metallic beast, and you might be lucky enough to get it to drive off to college with it, too.”

“So we can’t get a new car?”

“When you have your own money, job, and family, you can buy whatever car you want, Bobby. Until

then, what I drive is none of your concern.”

“Fine, but could we stop and get some food on the way home?”

“Sorry, this old rust-bucket doesn’t make special stops.” Mom replied tartly as Bobby’s stomach

growled. “Besides, we have plain old dinner at home in our old house on our used dishes.”

“I get it, mom! Sorry!” Bobby said sheepishly. Mom really knew how to make a point.

“Good. I’m glad you understand.” Mother smiled at him in the rearview mirror. “I might have a nice

new peach cobbler in the oven, though.”

Bobby grinned. Maybe he could stand a few old things now and then, so long as he had everything he needed – like dessert.

 

Use the information in the story to answer the questions below.

1. What is the best reason why doesn’t Bobby like his mom’s car?

A. It’s the wrong color.

B. It’s old.

C. His friends don’t like it.

D. He’s embarrassed to be seen in it, because of what people might think.

2. What does mother think of Bobby’s plea for a different car?

A. She likes the idea of buying a new car. She’ll buy one soon.

B. She would miss her car too much.

C. She wants to get rid of the car soon, but can’t afford it.

D. She is angry that Bobby cares about what other people think.

3. Which is a reason why Bobby’s mom said they would keep the car?

A. Their car is beautiful.

B. Their car is a family heirloom.

C. Their car has been very useful.

D. Their car is actually very valuable.

4. What else does Bobby ask of his mother?

A. He wants new clothes.

B. He wants to get food on the way home.

C. He wants to get a haircut.

D. He wants more allowance.

5. What lesson does Bobby NOT learn?

A. Don’t mess with mom.

B. Don’t worry about appearances.

C. You don’t always need new things, if the old ones work.

D. Don’t ask for anything.

 Answer Key

1. What is the best reason why doesn’t Bobby like his mom’s car?

D. He’s embarrassed to be seen in it, because of what people might think.

2. What does mother think of Bobby’s plea for a different car?

D. She is angry that Bobby cares about what other people think.

3. Which is a reason why Bobby’s mom said they would keep the car?

C. Their car has been very useful.

4. What else does Bobby ask of his mother?

B. He wants to get food on the way home.

5. What lesson does Bobby NOT learn?

D. Don’t ask for anything.

Reading Comprehension , Skill , English

 The Hero

Hank and his brother, Isaac, were in the backyard. They were playing in the tree house when it began to sprinkle. “I think we should go in the house,” said Hank. “It is about to storm.” So the two boys climbed down the ladder and ran to thehouse. When they got into the kitchen, they each grabbed a

cookie from the plate on the stove and called to their mom.

“Mom,” Isaac yelled. “It is starting to rain.” As they

entered the living room, they saw their mom lying on the floor.

“Hank, why is mom sleeping on the floor?” Isaac asked his brother.

Hank got on his knees beside his mom and he shook her and shouted, “Mommy,

Wake Up!” She didn’t answer, so Hank tried again. Isaac began to cry.

“Don’t worry, Isaac. It will be okay,” Hank said, but Hank had to think quickly. He was

only eight years old, what could he do? Hank was the oldest and he was the ONLY one who could help.

Then he remembered how Grandma used to play a game with him. She would pretend to be a 911 operator. She would ask him questions like, “What is your name?”

“What is your address?” He had learned all the right answers, so he knew what to do.

Hank grabbed the phone and punched in the numbers 911. A lady answered the phone

and said, “911, what is your emergency?” Hank was shaking so he took a deep breath and said, “Hello. My name is Hank Robinson. My mom is on the floor. She looks like

she is sleeping, but I can’t wake her up.” Then the lady asked Hank all the questions he had practiced with Grandma. He remembered to speak loudly and clearly because it was important. If the lady did not understand him, she could not help mommy. So again Hank took a deep breath and said, “I live at 1203 Oak Street, in Madison.”

The lady on the phone told Hank not to hang up until someone came to his house

and rang the doorbell. So Hank stayed on the phone and soon two Firemen came to help.

Hank let them in when the lady on the phone said it was safe. The men helped mommy to wake up and then they gave mommy some orange juice. Finally, she sat up and began to feel better. She smiled and thanked the firemen, and they told her that Hank was a hero, because he helped save his mom’s life. Later, the firemen invited Hank to the Fire Hall. They gave him an award for being a hero, but Hank did not feel like a hero. He had been scared. He had been shaking. He just did what he had to do. There was no one else to do it and he was just happy he knew what to do. He was happy his mom was okay and everything turned out okay. He learned that in an emergency, he would know just what to do. Maybe he would teach his brother, Isaac, so he would know what to do as well.

 

 Use the information in the story to answer the questions below.

1. What did Hank do when he saw his mom lying on the floor?

A. He shook her and shouted, “Mommy, Wake up.”

B. He cried.

C. He called his father on the phone.

D. He was only eight years old, he couldn’t do anything.

2. What important thing did Hank learn from his Grandma?

A. He learned that his Grandma was coming to visit.

B. He learned how to tell the 911 operator his name and address.

C. He learned to play games.

D. He learned to read.

3. What did Hank do to help his mom?

A. Nothing, he was too young.

B. He took care of his little brother.

C. He dialed the 911 Operator on the phone.

D. He tried to give her some orange juice.

4. How did Hank feel?

A. He felt brave.

B. He felt like a hero.

C. He felt important.

D. He felt scared.

5. What did Hank tell the 911 Operator and how did he speak to her?

A. He said to send help quick and then he hung up.

B. He whispered, “Help” and then hung up the phone.

C. He said he was only eight years old.

D. He told her his name and address. He spoke loudly and clearly.

 ANSWER KEY

Use the information in the story to answer the questions below.

1. What did Hank do when he saw his mom lying on the floor?

A. He shook her and shouted, “Mommy, Wake up.”

2. What important thing did Hank learn from his Grandma?

B. He learned how to tell the 911 operator his name and address.

3. What did Hank do to help his mom?

C. He dialed the 911 Operator on the phone.

4. How did Hank feel?

D. He felt scared.

5. What did Hank tell the 911 Operator and how did he speak to her?

D. He told her his name and address. He spoke loudly and clearly.

Watching Cartoons/ English worksheet

 Watching Cartoons

 

Carrie loved to watch cartoons on TV.

She did not like the news.

Movies were okay.

She did not like her brother’s shows.

She liked cartoons most of all.

If she got the remote, she looked for cartoons.

She had two favorite cartoon channels.

They played all of the best shows.

Her favorite cartoon was SuperMegaBob.

Bob was a normal guy.

He got super powers when he put on a green hat.

He was very funny, too.

She also liked Monkey Banana Squad.

There were four monkeys on a team.

Each wore a different color.

They were like ninja monkeys.

Her third most favorite cartoon was Ducktastic.

Three cute girl ducks were friends.

They went to school together.

They had lots of adventures.

Carrie loved to watch cartoons.

It might be on Saturday morning.

Sometimes, it was after school.

Cartoons were always fun!

Use the information in the story to answer the questions below.

1. What kind of shows does Carrie like to watch?

A. movies

B. the news

C. her brother’s shows

D. cartoons

2. Which of these IS one of Carrie’s favorite shows?

A. Captain Canada

B. Ducktastic

C. Super Babies!

D. Comet the Wonder Dog

3. Which of these is NOT one of Carrie’s favorite shows?

A. Goofy Team

B. SuperMegaBob

C. Monkey Banana Squad

D. Ducktastic

4. How many favorite channels does Carrie have?

A. 1

B. 2

C. 3

D. 4

5. YES OR NO: Does Carrie watch cartoons after school sometimes?

A. Yes

B. No

Answer

1. What kind of shows does Carrie like to watch?

 D. cartoons

2. Which of these IS one of Carrie’s favorite shows?

 B. Ducktastic

 

3. Which of these is NOT one of Carrie’s favorite shows?

A. Goofy Team

 

4. How many favorite channels does Carrie have?

 B. 2

 

5. YES OR NO: Does Carrie watch cartoons after school sometimes?

A. Yes

 

Reading Comprehension – Short Stories / english worksheet

Paola and Paul have been married nearly 8 years.

They have had many good times together.

They have traveled the world together.

They have had two little girls together.

They have started a chocolate shop together.

Lately, Paola and Paul  have been fighting a lot.

Business at the chocolate shop is slow. Paul thinks it is Paola’s fault.

They are having trouble with money. Paola thinks Paul spends too much.

One evening, Paola decides to visit her mom for advice

Paola knocks on her mom’s door. Paola’s mom is happy. It is a surprise visit.

She quickly sees, however, that something is wrong.

Paola looks sad and tired. “Paola, what is the matter?” Mom asks.

Paola tells her mom all that is going on.

Mom smiles gently. She rubs Paola’s back. Then she tells Paola a story.

“Your father and I have a wonderful marriage. But we don’t always get along.

There was a time when things were very bad between us. We fought all the time.

You were just a little girl. One day we watched you playing on the floor. We knew

we wanted to make our marriage work. We loved you very much. We loved each

other very much. We knew we had to work harder on our marriage.”

“What did you do?” asks Paola.

“We agreed to talk more. We planned a special night each week for the two of

us. We went to see someone who helps people with their marriages,” Mom says.

“It was worth it. I can’t imagine not having your father in my life.”

Paola begins to feel better. “You are right,” she says. “What Paul and I have is

worth working for.”

Questions:

1) Paola wants to see her mom to

A. hear a story

B. get advice

C. make her mom happy

D. get a back rub

2) The talk takes place at

A. Paola’s mom's house

B. a restaurant

C. Paola's house

D. the chocolate shop

Questions:

3) What good times have Paola and Paul had?

I. They have had children together.

II. They have started a business together.

III. They have done extensive traveling together.

A. I only

B. I and II

C. II and III

D. I, II, and III

4) In discussing her own problems, what idea

does Mom give Paola about fixing her

problems with Paul?

I. Paola can do something special with Paul .

II. Paola can inform the children about the

problems she is having with Paul.

III. Paola can avoid talking to Paul when she is feeling upset.

A. I only

B. I and II

C. II and III

D. I, II, and III

5) How long have Paul and Paola been married?

A. 6 years

B. 7 years

C. 8 years

D. 10 years

6) At the end of the talk with her Mom, Paola

seems

A. puzzled

B. convinced

C. doubtful

D. surprised

7) Why does Mom seem to know how Paola feels?

A. She is a good guesser.

B. She has been told by Paul.

C. She and Paola have discussed this problem before.

D. She has experienced the same problem in her own marriage.

8) What kind of relationship does Paola seem to have with her Mom?

I. open

II. loving

III. tense

A. I only

B. I and II

C. II and III

D. I, II, and III.

9) What does the reader not learn in this story?

A. what Paul has to say

B. why Paola visits her mom

C. how many kids Paola and Paul have

D. what kind of business they have

10) What lesson does Paola learn?

A. Two children is too many.

B. Marriage should always be easy.

C. Eight years of marriage is too long.

D. Even a good marriage can sometimes

be hard work.

Answers and Explanations

1) B

In paragraph 3, the story says, “One evening, Paola decides to visit her mom

for advice.” We can understand from this information that the reason Paola

wants to see her mom is to get advice. Therefore (B) is correct.

After Paola tells her mom what is going on, Mom tells her about a time when

Paola’s mom and dad were having trouble in their marriage. While the story

does help Paola decide what to do, she did not go to visit her mother in order

to hear the story. Therefore (A) is incorrect. In paragraph 3, Paola’s mom is

happy to see her, but Paola did not visit her mom just to make her happy.

Therefore (C) is incorrect. In paragraph 6, Paola’s mother rubs her back in

order to show her sympathy. However, Paola did not visit her mother just to

get a back rub. Therefore (D) is incorrect.

2) A

In paragraph 3, the story says, ‘One evening, Paola decides to visit her mom

for advice. Paola knocks on her mom’s door.” After this, Paola tells her mom

what is happening and they talk about it. We can understand from this

information that Paola has gone to her mom’s house to get some advice and

they have a conversation there. Therefore (A) is correct.

The story does not contain information to support choices (B), (C) and (D).

Therefore they are incorrect.

3) D

In paragraph 1, we learn “Paola and Paul have been married nearly 8 years.

They have had many good times together.” Then, the story lists some of the

good times Paola and Paul have had together. We learn “they have had two

little girls together.” This means that Paola and Paul have a family together.

This supports option (I). We learn that “they have started a chocolate shop

together.” We can understand from this that Paola and Paul have a business

together. This supports option (II). We learn “they have traveled the world

together.” Since traveling the world is extensive travel, this supports option

(III). Therefore (D) is correct.

4) A

In the middle of the story, Paola goes to see her mom for some advice about

how to handle her problems with Paul. Mom tells Paola how she dealt with a

rough time she had in her marriage to Paola’s father. Paola asks Mom what

they did. In paragraph 9, Mom says, ““We agreed to talk more. We planned a

special night each week for the two of us. We went to see someone who

helps people with their marriages.” We can understand from this information

that Paola’s mom is encouraging Paola to take similar action to help her

marriage to Paul. This means Paola gets the idea to do something special

with Paul each week. This supports option (I). The story does not provide

information to support options (II) or (III). Therefore (A) is correct.

5) B

In paragraph one, the story says, “Paola and  Paul  have been married nearly

8 years.” Since they have been married nearly 8 years, they have been

married 7 years, almost 8 years. Therefore (B) is correct.

Since Paola and Paul have been married nearly 8 years, they have not been

married for 8 years yet. Therefore (C) is incorrect. The story does not provide

information to support choices (A) and (D). Therefore they are incorrect.

6) B

Near the end of the story, Paola’s mother tells her what she and Paola’s

father did to improve their relationship when they were having trouble. Then,

in the last paragraph, “Paola begins to feel better. ‘You are right,’ she says.

‘What Paul and I have is worth working for.’” Convinced means made sure

of. Since Paola thinks that her mom is right, we can understand from this

information that Paola has become convinced to do what she can to improve

her marriage. Therefore (B) is correct.

Puzzled means confused. When Paola arrives at her mom’s house, she is

troubled and possibly confused, but after talking to Mom, Paola feels better

and wants to improve her marriage. This means that Payola knows what she

should do next. She is not puzzled anymore. Therefore (A) is incorrect.

Doubtful means uncertain. Again, her talk with Mom has helped Paola be

certain about what she must do. She is not doubtful of this. Therefore (C) is

incorrect. Surprised means startled by something unexpected. Paola wants to

hear what her mom did to help her marriage, but Paola does not seem

surprised at what her mom tells her. Therefore (D) is incorrect.

7) D

In the middle of the story, Paola goes to her mom and tells her mom about

the troubles she is having with Paul. Mom tells her that there was a time

when her relationship with Paola’s dad was in trouble. Mom tells Paola what

they did to improve their relationship. Since Mom has had a similar

experience to Paola’s, Mom knows how Paola feels. Therefore (D) is correct.

The story does not contain information to support choices (A), (B) and (C).

Therefore they are incorrect.

8) B

When Paola is having trouble with her marriage, she turns to her mom for

help. Since Paola feels comfortable telling her mother about her personal

problems, they have an open relationship. This supports option (I). When

Paola tells her mother about her troubles, Mom comforts Paola by rubbing her

back. Paola’s mother also tells Payola that one of the reasons she and

Paola’s father made their marriage work was because, “We loved you very

much.” We can understand from this information that Payola and her mom

have a loving relationship. This supports option (II). There is nothing in the

story that suggests that Paola and her mom have a tense relationship. This

eliminates option (III). Therefore (B) is correct.

9) A

In the story, we learn that Paul is Paola’s husband and that they have been

having marriage troubles. However, the entire story is about Paola visiting her

mom to get advice. We do not learn anything about what Paul thinks or has to say. Therefore (A) is correct.

We know that Paola visits her mom to get advice about her marriage, so we

do learn why Paola visits Mom. Therefore (B) is incorrect. At the beginning of

the story, we learn that Paola and Paul “have two little girls together.” Since

this tells us how many children they have, (C) is incorrect. At the beginning of

the story we learn that Paola and Paul “have started a chocolate shop

together. This tells us what kind of business they have. Therefore (D) is

incorrect.

10)D

Paola is having a hard time in her marriage. When she talks to her mom, her

mom tells her about her own experience. Paola’s mom tells her that when her

marriage to Paola’s father was difficult, they worked on it and made it better.

This convinces Paola to work on her own marriage. Since Paola has realized

that she must work on her marriage, she has realized that even a good

marriage can be hard work. Therefore (D) is correct.

The story does not contain information to support choices (A), (B) and (C).

Therefore they are incorrect.